SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – Second half goals from juniors Michael Caccavo and Adam Hunt propelled the Spring Arbor University men's soccer team past Marian University 3-1 in the quarterfinals of the Crossroads League Tournament on Saturday night.
The third-seeded Cougars will now travel to Winona Lake, Indiana to face second-seeded Grace College in the semifinals, and play for a chance to advance to the championship match.
After being forced to play from behind for most of the match in its previous meeting with Marian (7-10-2, 4-4-1 CL), which entered as the tournament's sixth seed, getting off to a quick start would be important for Spring Arbor. And, the Cougars were able to do just that, scoring less than one minute into the contest. Junior Stevenson Storm sent in a free kick from the left wing, and the ball would slip through the goalkeeper's hands allowing Hunt to punch it in and put SAU on top.
The Cougars continue to apply pressure early, creating several dangerous chances, but MU's Tyler Blattner played strong between the pipes to keep the deficit at one.
Despite being outplayed early on, the Knights were able to find the equalizer before halftime as Nic Henderson tapped in a shot from close range.
In the second half, Spring Arbor came close to regaining the lead but an attempt from Caccavo would ricochet off the post. Caccavo would have another chance though, and this time he would make it count. The junior from Mississauga, Ontario, who was just named the Crossroads League Defensive Player of the Year, made a huge play on the offensive end, heading home a cross from sophomore Mitchell Simon in the 64th minute to put SAU in front for good.
The Cougars would add an insurance goal in the 78th minute when Hunt hit a blistering shot from 30 yards out that skipped past the goalkeeper for his second tally of the night.
Junior netminder Abe Bonn was terrific in goal finishing with four saves on the night.
The Cougars outshot the Knights 18-13 while both sides accumulated five corner kicks.
Spring Arbor (11-6-2, 5-3-1 CL) will meet Grace (12-5-1, 6-2-1 CL) in the semifinals on Saturday, Nov. 7 with kickoff slated for 4 p.m.
Men's Soccer Contact: Chris Bauman | 517-750-6504 | christopher.bauman@arbor.edu
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